Understanding Mercury Poisoning

The element mercury, commonly known as quicksilver, exists in different forms -- elemental or metallic, inorganic and organic. Mercury is released into our atmosphere through vapor that comes from the earth's crust, fresh waters, the oceans or from the burning of coal.

Bacteria in bodies of water cause changes that turn mercury into organic methyl mercury, which gets consumed by fish. Human exposure to mercury can come from ingesting the contaminated fish or breathing contaminated air, in addition to amalgam used in dental fillings that can contain up to 54 percent elemental mercury.

Over time, mercury can accumulate in our brain, kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract and lungs. Mercury vapor crosses the blood-brain barrier and damage brain cells and can be difficult to diagnose.

Inorganic mercury salts have been found in creams for skin lightening and other products like fungicides, mercurochrome and thimerosal (preservative containing mercury in some over-the-counter and prescription medications). Mercuric sulfide is found in red tattoo dyes.

Methyl mercury accumulates in fish as it passes over their gills as they swim in mercury-contaminated waters. We eat the contaminated fish and ingest the mercury. Methyl mercury concentration in sport fish can be higher than in commercial fish purchased at grocery stores.

Interestingly, cooking doesn't alter the amount of methyl mercury in the fish. Except for contaminated fish, human intake of dietary mercury is negligible.

Methyl mercury inhibits acetylcholine, a transmitter of nerve impulses, synthesis resulting in memory loss and other toxicity symptoms. Early signs and symptoms of true poisoning include decreased senses of touch, hearing, vision and taste, metallic taste in the mouth, fatigue or lack of physical endurance and increased salivation.

Symptoms can progress with chronic exposure to include anorexia, numbness of the extremities, headaches, high blood pressure, irritability and excitability and immune suppression. Advanced disease might include tremors, incoordination, anemia, psychoses, manic behaviors and kidney problems.

CATHY CREGER ROSENBAUM is a Holistic Clinical Pharmacist and founder and CEO of Rx Integrative Solutions, Inc. Find out more online at www.rxintegrativesolutions.com.